Sami Khedira to join Real Madrid from Stuttgart

Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, who played a major part in Germany's progress to the World Cup semi-finals, is to join Real Madrid from VfB Stuttgart, the Bundesliga club said Friday.

"VfB and Real Madrid have agreed on the midfielder's move to the Spanish capital," the German club said on their website (www.vfb.de).

"As soon as the German international has passed a medical exam, he will put his signature on the contract."

VfB, where Khedira made his professional debut in 2006, said they were sorry to let the 23-year-old go.

"One is always extremely unhappy to let go a player who dictates the game and is easily identified with, such as Sami Khedira," said Stuttgart's sporting director Fred Bobic.

"On the other hand we were able to fulfil Sami's wishes of furthering his career at Real. We wish him all the success with his new challenge."

Khedira, who made his international debut in the friendly against South Africa last September, was not expected to feature in Germany's World Cup team but was given his chance following the injury which kept captain Michael Ballack out of the tournament.

He formed an impressive partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger as Germany finished third.

He has 12 caps and scored his first international goal in the third-place playoff against Uruguay in South Africa.